Next to the river,
on a bench,
staring up at the sky,
eagles wheeling overhead,
gentle breeze blowing
and the lazy sound of a saxophone drifting past.
This is where I hold my strategy meetings these days.
Who says you need to be in an office?
It’s not where you are that counts, it’s what you are thinking…
Today’s shared story comes from Elizabeth Gonzalez, from Puerto Rico.
After many years struggling about what was the right thing to do instead of asking what I would love to do, I finally found myself at peace. Now I love what I do and I do what I love. Not many years ago I realized I am an artist “deep in soul” and a creative business was the right path.
In school I was in science and math curriculums instead of art because of my grades. I thought Art was not meant for me and it was not a surprise that I earned an Industrial Engineering degree. I was hired for a regular job 6 months before graduation day. However, very soon after starting I noticed I was bored. This happened in any job I had no matter whether my work was good. Looking for professional development, I did a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and worked as a university professor.
I was already making art as a hobby and my teaching experience was good. After a few years trying to make the best of my experience as professor and part time artist I realized that what I loved about my job was more than teaching the course itself. I used every opportunity to inspire my students to do what they love, to be true to themselves, to find their passion, to be honest, to be good citizens, good parents, etc. I adapted my own style in management classes and I added five readings about life and business. By that time I was already selling my ceramic to stores.
In 2002, when I was still working as a professor, AVON Puerto Rico found my work and was interested in reproducing it. This was a dream come true. AVON chose two designs and reproduced them in resin. By my birthday they had the prototype. I was mesmerized. They sold more that they planned and later they bought nine more designs. When my mom saw my design in the front cover of the AVON catalog she said, “this is what you should do”. By that time the word ‘licensing’ was unknown for me and I was already in my forties.
In 2007, the same day the School of Management offered me a long time contract, I quit. I was ready to find my true north, my true path. The story is longer and later I had to go back to a regular job but I was always doing both things at the same time – creating ceramics and selling them to stores. This was not easy. The job contract ended and I was all by myself with my creative business.
In 2008, after a very sad experience with my mom’s death I started drawing and painting classes. I found two books about mixed media that changed my life as an artist and creative entrepreneur. It was love at first sight.
Today, I spend most of my time creating art and looking for venues to grow my earning as an artist. Reproducing, manufacturing, licensing, blogging, online teaching and other creative ventures make my life busy and enjoyable. I love creating mixed media art using collage and making journals with papers I create. This is the way I express my feelings, my desires and my purpose in life. I love and I live to make people smile with my art.
Now as a young grandma, I treasure each moment and live with passion. This is the life I’ve always imagined – doing what I love, loving what I do, embracing life as it comes day by day and inspiring others to “enjoy the ride through this amazing life”.
[Images courtesy of Elizabeth Gonzalez.]
I came across another handmade craft fair, this time at Shimogamo Shrine. The setting was lovely but this one was smaller than the one at Kamigamo Shrine, possibly due to the threat of heavy rain, but there were some lovely stalls nonetheless…
Wow, I don’t know what to say! I have been shortlisted as a Finalist for the Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012 in the Education Entrepreneur category! Previous winners include maverick greetings card site FunkyPigeon.com and British retail giant Sainsbury’s.
Today I am thrilled to share this interview with Japanese contemporary lighting designer Ai Kawauchi. I met Ai when fellow lighting designer Hannah Nunn came out to Kyoto to visit recently. Ai is featured in Hannah’s upcoming book ‘Illuminate‘ which showcases contemporary craft lighting from around the world. Ai’s work is unique, fascinating and other-worldly – here is a peek into her world.
Image by Hannah Nunn
Digitally manipulated ‘Painterly’ by Ange Yake
Recently Rachael Taylor and I wrapped up Module 3 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, and celebrated with our first cohort of graduates! We are so proud of them all – as they go out into the world of professional design, we have already celebrated licensing deals, features in books, launches of new studios, exhibitions at top trade shows and top prizes in national design competitions. We cannot wait to see what is next for them!
Perhaps even more importantly, we have seen the impact it has had on people’s lives. Here are some of the testimonials our class have shared:
“Life changing and inspiring. This course should be included in the 5 year plan of anyone who is interested in a career in Surface Pattern Design!”
“This course teaches you what is really important to become a surface pattern designer. It provides the overview you don’t have as a beginner, full of incredible insider tips and fun exercises, that keep you going. If you only manage to do a third of its content, it’ll change your life!”
“It’s a course that gave me all the information and inspiration I need to make my dreams come true. Now it only depends on me!”
“Amazing! Life-changing and addictive.”
“If you’ve always wondered how to get your art and designs on home goods, wallpaper, clothing, etc, this is the course that helps you achieve this dream.”
“Yesterday I said to friend: “This was the best thing I have done in years”.”
“It is intense and very exciting, inspiring and stimulating.”
“You poured yourselves into this. Every thought and consideration was made. The course was full of personality and passion and I can’t believe how much Rachael shared. It was beautifully designed, communicated really well, and really well managed. I really couldn’t have made the life change that I have (given up my job! yikes) to follow my heart. This course has given me knowledge and confidence to get going. “
“This course has blown my mind! I feel like I can take ownership of my own destiny. No one has ever said to me that I have a right to do this before! I have had some negative influences so I think that the positive energy that Rachael radiates and the way that the course is structured is the best part. I don’t have the words but above all this course is a bargain!! Nothing is missing…it’s perfect. It’s challenging enough to make you think and deal with stuff you would rather put aside (eg legal, finance, being pro-active, networking) and inspirational to get you creatively motivated. “
“The Art and Business of Surface Pattern design course has changed my life. It has provided me the opportunity to go after a long time dream. I have always been surrounded by design in my professional career but never formally trained. Now, I feel this course has provided me the necessary skills and opportunities to make my dream a reality. Rachel and Beth, thank you so much for creating an amazing course.”
“This course helped me gain confidence, as an artist and a person I am very shy and have had many moments of doubting myself in the past. Sharing my work with other creative, kind and encouraging people helped me realize that I do have what it takes as long as I assert myself. If you are shy like myself I say take this course ! It has helped me so much, Rachael and Beth you really have created something very special. I am fully committed to working towards my dream and thanks to this course I am one step closer. “
“It’s full of vital information and a very strong support group. It’s a vital course to help give new surface pattern designers and ones that want to set up business the confidence to just go for it.”
“Inspiring, full of detail and dedication, total value for money.”
“This is an INtense, INdepth, INspiring and FUN course about surface pattern design! Get IN! Not only is the coursework great but there are many opportunities to take advantage of that could open doors for you.”
“It has provided me with a structure to beginning my life as a freelance designer and going back to the basics of creating. It is so important to do all 3 modules if you can, because it gives you a real sense of community and support along with great advice and resources, links and things that I would never had found on my own. It’s a special journey designing your own way…but even more special to share!”
“Not only business facts, but an amazing insight into the industry, encouragement to seek out which path is right for you and the support you need to actually make it happen. “
“Life changing! Content-rich, insightful and inspiring. Not just a course but a place to make friends. “
Layered ‘Blooming Day’ from Rachael Bright
“I just can’t thank you both enough for making this wonderful course happen. I wish there were another 3 modules. I would sign up now! It has been the best decision I ever made, completely invaluable to the start my business.”
“I honestly don’t think I could have made so much progress in a year had it not been for this course and the framework it provided me to get back into doing what I love. There are so many good things about it; it is so accessible – there is no snobbery; everyone is encouraged and nurtured no matter what stage they are at. There is so much invaluable information and insight, so many tips, realistic briefs and amazing live briefs and other opportunities.”
“I know several people who are unable to study surface pattern design at degree level because of financial and practical reasons. This course would definitely be an alternative route for them.”
“Being a self taught printer and homeware designer, the modules have given me the technical background and creative permission to believe in my potential and my future in this field. Thank you so much Rachael and Beth for showing us how to do what we love for life!”
“WAAAAAHHH. It’s over! I think the fact that you helped get our names out in the real world is an amazing aspect that I never anticipated. “
“This course should be added to every art degree syllabus! “
“This course is the best thing that happened to me for years!!! I love the incredibly supportive, positive and motivating creative atmosphere! This is so rare. Thanks so much for your hard work behind the scenes and for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m on a mission to make this world more happy and beautiful now! “
“Thank you for being so thoughtful in every aspect. As I’m Brazilian, I found the audio transcripts really helpful! Thank you, you’re helping me to change my life for the better! “
“I can only say how grateful I am for all the educational material, the links, the insights, the energy and the love I felt through the whole course. “
“LOVED IT!! The course has empowered me to start my own business and makes me excited about what the future holds. “
***
If you want to join us for the next module (Module 2 Creating your professional identity) you’d better be quick! Find out more and register here.
Today’s shared stories come from Alison Yule and Brandy Walker.
I was 6 when I realised that fabric could be constructed – my sister, seven years older than me, came home from school with a small piece of hand woven fabric. From the moment my parents gave me my first loom (when I was eight) all I’ve wanted to do is weave. I was lucky to go to the same school as my sister and obtained an “O” and “A” level in Craft, Design and Practice – Weaving. I didn’t got to Art College as I’d originally planned, but I did leave school with a 4 shaft table loom on which I wove fabric for myself, friends and family.
Over the years I’ve had a number of different jobs, but weaving has always been there keeping me grounded. In 2002 I want to Bradford Collage, taking an HNC in Hand Woven Textile Design and when I graduated in 2004 I won two awards from Bradford Textile Society. The awards gave me the impetus to set up my own business in designing and hand weaving bespoke fabrics for interiors and fashion. A large part of the attraction of weaving is its sustainability, using mill ends, very little fuel and water – just for a little dyeing and the finishing process.
Weaving has been with me for such a long time, bound up with my life, as a hobby, as a profession, as a job. When I’ve had difficulties in life, weaving has been what’s “glued” my life together, keeping me grounded so that problems could be sorted. If I couldn’t weave my life would not be my life! I’d lose the stabilising force that it’s become and would have to find something to replace its influence, but what I don’t know!
In a nut shell “doing what I love” means happiness, fulfilment, making things with love, sharing what I love and enthusing others with it, being passionate about it and being the best I can be!
In 2009 a life changing event happened. My husband of nearly 25 years died and I soon realised that all my working life I’d been taking care of people – family, people in my keep-fit classes – and I suddenly felt I needed to take care of me. This was going to be my time! I enrolled on the Bradford course and haven’t looked back. Occasionally I’ve wobbled – I felt I couldn’t go and seek out clients while my Mum was ill and needed my sister and I. I couldn’t go and seek out new clients while my youngest daughter was at school, etc. Now I’ve no excuses. My daughter is an independent woman at university. I’ve found a new life partner, a new home in a new area and life is good!
I don’t regret anything in my life. It’s been full of weaving, spinning and dyeing, I’ve taught lots of people new skills that have opened their lives to new experiences. I’ve had high praise for my work and I’ve loved every minute of it! My big plan? To have work in permanent collections or in the home of someone famous! Oh, and earn a little more money so that we can go on holiday!
[All images courtesy of Alison Yule.]
Find out more about Alison on her website here.
***
A couple of years ago, I had a tear-filled episode on my drive home from school. I felt God was calling me to be a pastor. This was before the other tear-filled moment where I realized that men and women are equal. So you can imagine the pickle I was in. How was I supposed to pastor a congregation if I wasn’t even a spiritual head in my own household?
Everything I learned about what it means to be a woman is socially constructed.
I didn’t know it at the time, but those two episodes would deeply shape who I am now and how I run my budding business. I don’t talk a lot about gender on my blog. I have used feminine pronouns in reference to God, siting that divinity is much larger than a gendered perspective and saying “she” instead of “he” wakes up my brain and reminds me of that.
In my writing, and in life, I talk a lot about the restoration of shalom on earth. Which makes people think I’m Jewish. A lovely thought, but I’m not. At the same time, I find it more and more difficult to call myself Christian. Not because I don’t believe in Jesus, he’s wonderful. But, Christianity is a loaded term. It’s become a kind of weapon, also loaded. And it gives me the runs.
I believe, like many other people, that the Christian religion has reached a crossroads, not unlike the Great Reformation of Martin Luther’s time. Some have called it the Great Emergence and there are many people, more wise than I who would be a better resource on that topic. For me personally, it’s relevant because if I hadn’t found out about it, I might have left the faith entirely. Also, it’s helped me re-frame the word pastor, for which a new definition is long overdue.
When you hear words like “pastor” or “Christian” or “sermon”, do you think “fresh”, “enlightened”, “open-minded and accepting”, “passionately loving toward people and the earth”? No? I want to help change that.
That’s what I love. And what I’m doing. With blog posts about placenta pills and dreaming big. With public speaking and spoken word. And with a new offering called Shalom Sessions where I help people dig into what they are passionate about and what comes easy to them and then sift through their gems to create a custom compass to guide them to the next right step.
Because your dreams will save you. And you will save the world.
And that’s how I’m restoring shalom on my little plot of earth. By helping people realize and fulfill their dreams.
And my big dream? Besides getting paid to write and speak and guiding people into their big, vivacious dreams: A safehouse. For those who have survived human trafficking or abusive relationships or addictions or all three. My husband and I want to build a cafe that has cupcakes, fair trade coffee, and t-shirts on the menu with free wi-fi so that people can come and eat and read and play. And, part of the income from our shop will help to fund our safehouse.
But for now, I am more than content to write and speak, and offer Shalom to anyone wanting to explore what it means to fully live.
Today I conducted my first paid Shalom Session. Recounting how it went to my husband, my 10-year-old chimed in, “Oh wow, you just got paid to do what you love?”
Why, yes. Yes, I did.
[Images courtesy of Brandy Walker.]
Find out more about Brandy on her blog or connect on Facebook or Twitter @brandyglows
Today’s shared stories come from Tracy Brandt and Jane Davenport.
For some, doing what they love is a simple straight-line process. “I love to paint” + I find a way to paint = I do what I love.
For me, I honestly don’t love much of what I do.
I do what I do because I love the outcome.
Let me explain: for me, having a dream and doing what I love requires being inside the stringent and often corrupt parameters of a chaotic third world country. You see, in 2005, I founded a home for orphan children in Nepal, called Rising Lotus Children’s Village.
Although I realize nothing worthwhile in life ever comes easy, I have to say that nothing could be more difficult than trying to create and effectively run a program and policy in a third world country when you live halfway around the globe. Every tiny step in this process is a lesson in frustration. There is never enough money. There is never enough time to get it all done. There is always some glitch or delay in every transaction. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out … to just give up! … to say “Screw this!! Let someone else do it. Let someone else care.”
And that’s when you remember: “Oh wait. I care!”
So I keep trudging forward. Why? Because though the work itself is anything but loveable, I love the possibility of changing the life of an orphan for the better. I love the possibility of helping a child escape the horrid cycle of abject poverty, to give that child a chance! Because an orphan child is as deserving of love and opportunity as any other child on the planet, including my own,
I don’t know when I first realized that I wanted to do this and/or that this work is what I love. I only know that the moment I first stepped foot in Nepal, I knew I was meant to be there forever. And that when I saw the hundreds upon hundreds of orphan children literally discarded in the streets, I knew I had to do something to help.
Have I started a global powerhouse organization? No. Some revolutions are quiet ones. I founded a small, grassroots children’s home with a handful or orphans. Over the years, we’ve grown to 12 kids, then to 20. We have a waiting list of nearly 200. Those truly needing services like ours number in the thousands. It’s enough to knock you down the need is so great.
How did I make this a reality? I tempted fate. I told everyone who laughed at me to go to hell. I carried on. I continue to carry on. I refuse to give up.
I don’t know. My “Do What You Love” story isn’t very glamorous. It’s filled with a lot of stress and frustration and worry. It’s filled with no time for myself because managing this work, along with two boys, and a husband with his own complex company to run (who gets to his wits end with the time and energy running Rising Lotus takes from me) … there just never seems to be much time for me that’s just mine.
But, I carry on because in my soul I feel called back time and time again to Nepal: to these children and to the people there and to the country.
I don’t love it all. Does anyone ever love ALL of the aspects of doing what they love? Is it only worth loving when things go smoothly and right?
We do what we love because we love what comes out of our love. We love the product of our love.
For me, the product of my love is that a child that was entirely without one … now has a positive chance! Not a guarantee, but a chance! Now that’s powerful.
So, I’m sticking with it. Sometimes doing what you love means finding your rainbow and sliding down it. But for others, doing what you love sometimes means staying true to your dream, come hell or high water.
The impossible only seems so until you do it.
[All images courtesy of Tracy Brandt.]
Find out more about Rising Lotus Children’s village here.
I took the leap to be a “Professional Artist” in 2000. It was a monumental decision and seemed very sudden to the outer world.
I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t possible for me to NOT do what I love…
And what I LOVED doing was looking at ladybirds. So I ditched a burgeoning fashion photography career in London and Paris for taking photographs of bugs. I even came up with a term for what I do : Artomology. ( yep, I swapped photographing the human type of stick insect and social butterfly for the real thing!)
Over the past 12 years I have built my reputation as an internationally exhibited photographic artist, prize-winning author and gallery owner. I have also work with fantastic companies who license the rights for my images to create calendars, stationery ranges, textiles and homewares.
I discovered Art Journaling 2 years ago, and for the first time, really felt the creative dots within me connecting. I have since become a bit of a journaling evangelist! I know what a joyful transformation untangling myself in in Art Journal has had for me, and I am rather gung-ho about sharing the benefits of creating a dedicated space for artistic outpouring!
I was asked to teach in an collaborative online workshop about Art Journaling called “21 Secrets” last year and nearly said no, I was too busy with my Gallery, writing a book, painting etc etc… but I adore and respect the person who invited me, so on a whim I said “yes”… then nearly melted with panic!
I created a mini online workshop called ” Draw Happy”, which focuses on the bizarre fact that drawing seems to terrify people, even incredibly creative, arty ones! And as soon as the doors to the class opened, students rushed in and BANG! ! Joy for teaching and empowering women through harnessing their creative potential absolutely exploded in my chest. Serious volcano!
Once I discovered I had a superpower for teaching people to draw from their imagination, the rest of the world kind of dropped away, as my attention turned to this new adventure. I gather so much fun and love from my students and I become ever more creative as a result. To say we have a love inferno going on, is a bit of an understatement!
I run my workshops on two of my own School sites now. They have been a huge success and the results my beloved students get for themselves are amazing quite frankly. A day never goes by where someone makes me feel like jumping on the table and doing a can-can at their creative progress. To help grow another persons confidence is an amazing gift to both parties. I ‘get’ teaching. I heart it.
My big dream now is to continue growing as an Online Creativity Leader. I have so many ideas for workshops! I am also working on some of my own art products, things that are missing from my art supply arsenal – and let me tell you, if I don’t have it as a degenerate art supply junkie, it doesn’t exist!
I also had the immense pleasure of teaching my art heroine, Teesha Moore at her Artfest Annex earlier this year, and I want to combine more live workshops with travel. I have the first of my Escape Artist retreats in Bali this year. Next July will be Paris. The future holds many more fun, juicy events…
[Images courtesy of Jane Davenport.]
To find out more about Jane visit her website.
Just look at this work – isn’t it beautiful? British designer Helen Stevens is the talented surface pattern designer and illustrator behind the Surfacephilia brand.
Helen works through layering of illustration, collage and paintings with a unusual combination of geometrics and natural forms. We are thrilled that Surfacephilia is one of our fantastic contributors for the Surface Pattern Design E-course.
Surfacephilia has recently launched a new wallpaper collection and will be selling in Liberty’s of London. Helen’s designs have an uber cool edge with a level of beautiful detailed sophistication.
You can visit the Surfacephilia website HERE and connect on Facebook and follow on Twitter@surfacephilia.
